At least 60 killed in bombings, shootings in Pakistan and Iraq on Thursday

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Officials say attacks across Baghdad and several Iraqi provinces have killed 48 people and wounded more than 200 in an unrelenting wave of violence that mostly appeared to target security forces.

Thursday's attacks unfolded over a two-and-a-half-hour period, showing the extremists' continued ability to coordinate violence and sow chaos and fear through Iraq's communities.

Most of the deaths were in Baghdad but militants also struck 10 other cities, hitting security patrols, government offices, restaurants and a school.

The casualties were tallied by local security and hospital officials in the cities where the attacks occurred.

Meanwhile in Pakistan, a health official says the death toll from a powerful bomb that ripped through a minibus terminal in northwestern part of the country has risen to 12, including at least one child.

Jameel Shah says Thursday's attack in Peshawar city also wounded 32 people.

Police officer Afzal Khan said women and children were among the wounded.
Local TV footage showed at least half a dozen minibuses damaged or completely destroyed by the blast.

Peshawar is located near the border with Pakistan's tribal region and has experienced frequent bombings over the past several years. Violence has dropped in recent months, but attacks continue to occur.

No group claimed responsibility for the bombing. But the Pakistani Taliban have carried out similar attacks throughout the country.